Valentine’s Day is upon us and although nobody wants to get carried away by tradition, if you have a significant other in your life, it’s hard to ignore February 14.
The ultimate prize is to go out to dinner as a treat for both. No matter where you decide to go, you want the evening and the meal to be memorable. The food, the drinks and the ambience must be worth your time, effort and money.
Here are a few options you have in Cape Town on February 14.
A Ritzy offering
The Ritz in Sea Point has reopened it’s doors and can deliver on the wow factor for anyone who wants to make a good impression on Valentine’s Day.
The Ritz has crafted a dining experience, inspired by the classic love story of Casablanca, called the Casa’s #whendidyourlovestart evening.
It’s a four-course menu, and a dessert chocolate fountain with an evening of dinner, dancing and celebrating (R1 100 per couple).
Or if you want to splash out, book a table at Top of The Ritz, the only revolving restaurant in the Western Cape. You’ll get breath-taking views, a bottle of bubbly and a seven-course gourmet journey. (R1 700 per couple, includes two glasses of bubbly.)
Bubbles from Cupid
If you want to indulge in bubbly this Valentine’s Day then Constantia Glen is the place. The estate is framed by vineyards and has majestic mountain views, the ideal backdrop for a day of romance with a glass or two of their Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classique.
It will be love at first sip when you order the Rosemarie & Funa Brut Rosé MCC.
Take advantage of the exclusive Valentine’s Day offer on February14, when all tasting room visitors will get 50% off per bottle or glass. Call 021 795 5639 or e-mail [email protected] to book a table.
Music and wine
Delay the day of love until February 24 and check out the Plaisir de Merle, Music Under the Stars event.
The programme, Summertime: Song under the Stars is a selection of arias and ensembles from popular and well-loved opera, operetta and musicals and the wine will also hit all the right notes.
Plaisir de Merle’s wines will be on sale and you can pack a picnic basket or pre-order a spread for two.
Look out for the Plaisir de Merle 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Bookings to be made before February 17 from [email protected]. The concert starts at 6.30pm.
Good food and wine
Valentine’s Day at Nederburg.
At Nederburg the winery’s manor house restaurant, The Red Table will be set for Valentine’s Day.
Chef Edmore Ruzoza’s dinner spread on the evening of Valentine’s Day, offered at R370 per person, starts with a glass of Nederburg’s Première Cuvée Brut.
The starter course is a choice of tian of lemon-thyme poached prawn, smoked snoek, vin blanc calamari and avocado; or falafel with marinated bocconcini, confit tomato and asparagus salad.
For the main course, choose between fresh line fish, steamed broccoli, exotic mushrooms, lime capers beurre blanc and plum tomatoes; slow-braised lamb shoulder, red onion, sweet potato lyonnaise, fine beans and red wine jus; or roasted cauliflower, basil pesto, feta and aubergine roulade served with zucchini fries.
Dessert choices are chocolate fondant with orange ice cream, mixed berry compote, or Noble Late Harvest crème brû* ée served with fresh berries and apricot biscotti.
To book, call 021 877 5155 or e-mail: [email protected]